Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is a disease that occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissue of the rectum. Risk factors for the disease include having a family history of rectal or colon cancer, being 50 years of age or older, and having a personal history of polyps in the colon. If symptoms of rectal cancer are present, they may include bowel problems (such as blood in the stool, narrow stools, and diarrhea or constipation). Tests used to diagnose rectal cancer include digital rectal exams and fecal occult blood tests (FOBT). Treatment for the disease may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of methods.

 

An Overview of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells (cancer cells) form in the tissues of the rectum.
 

Rectal Cancer and the Rectum

The rectum is part of the body's digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first 6 feet of the large intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body).
 

Rectal Cancer Risk Factors

People who are 50 years of age or older have a greater risk of developing rectal cancer than younger people do. Other possible risk factors for rectal cancer include the following:
 
  • A family history of cancer of the colon or rectum
  • A personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, endometrium, or breast
  • A history of polyps in the colon
  • A history of ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large intestine) or Crohn's disease
  • Certain hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (also known as HNPCC or Lynch Syndrome).
     

Rectal Cancer Symptoms

There are a number of possible symptoms of rectal cancer. However, other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
 
  • A change in bowel habits
  • Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
  • Stools that are narrower than usual
  • General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps)
  • Weight loss for no known reason
  • Feeling very tired
  • Vomiting.
     

Rectal Cancer Diagnosis

To make a rectal cancer diagnosis, your doctor may perform one or more tests to look for rectal cancer. Some of these are the same tests used for rectal cancer screening. They can include:
 

Staging Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer stages are based on whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues, whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. Knowing the stage of rectal cancer is important in planning treatment.
 
The different rectal cancer stages are:
 
  • Stage 0
  • Stage I
  • Stage II
  • Stage III
  • Stage IV
  • Recurrent rectal cancer.
     

Rectal Cancer Treatment

People with rectal cancer have many treatment options available to them. These rectal cancer treatment options include:
 
Many people receive more than one type of treatment for rectal cancer. The choice of treatment depends mainly on the stage of rectal cancer. Your doctor can describe your rectal cancer treatment options and the expected results.
 

Rectal Cancer Prognosis

The rectal cancer prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:
 
  • The stage of the cancer (whether it affects the inner lining of the rectum only, involves the whole rectum, or has spread to other places in the body)
  • The patient's general health
  • Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD